Of the 578 PT ("Patrol
Torpedo") Boats built for use in WW2, 199 were manufactured by Higgins Industries of
New Orleans, LA. The Higgins 78' design was
distinctly different from the Elco 80', which comprised the bulk (326 built) of WW2
Torpedo boat construction. Higgins boats are easily distinguished from the Elco 80'
by the wheelhouse, which is much further forward and results in a distinctly shorter
forecastle deck, and the two gun tubs placed symettrically on either side of the
wheelhouse. The Higgins design was also less cluttered and "busy" than the Elco
variant. Armament varied depending on whether the boats were being used as "barge
busters" or as more traditional torpedo boats. Typically it consisted of four
torpedoes, two twin .50 caliber machine guns, one or two 20mm cannons, and (on some boats)
a 40mm cannon aft. If you are modeling a specific Higgins boat, consult
your references for the correct armament fit. Approximately half of
the Higgins-designed boats served in the Mediterranean Sea and English Channel with the
other half serving in the Pacific and Aleutians.

The JAG Collective1:350 scale PT 200 is a typical Higgins 78'
boat. It is an attractive design with minimal clutter, and the JAG kit seems to capture
the Higgins "look" nicely. This US $20 kit includeds two full-hull Higgins 78'
boats. There are very few parts and no etched brass, so this is definitely a one evening
project unless you decide to super detail your boat. See the JAG
Collectivepage for availability.